Prison Break's Wentworth Miller comes out as show of opposition to Russian anti-gay laws

Wentworth Miller has come out in a brave show of opposition to the anti-gay laws and violence in Russia. And we love him for it.

Despite ending our hopes of one day becoming Mrs Wentworth Miller, the Prison Break star declined to attend a film festival in Russia saying that he could not 'in good conscience' go while there is such discrimination in the country.

The 41-year-old actor wrote a letter to the organisers of the St. Petersburg International Film Festival saying, 'Thank you for your kind invitation. As someone who has enjoyed visiting Russia in the past and can also claim a degree of Russian ancestry, it would make me happy to say yes,' he wrote. 'However, as a gay man, I must decline.'

'I am deeply troubled by the current attitude toward and treatment of gay men and women by the Russian government,' he continued. 'The situation is in no way acceptable, and I cannot in good conscience participate in a celebratory occasion hosted by a country where people like myself are being systematically denied their basic right to live and love openly.'

'Perhaps, when and if circumstances improve," he added, 'I'll be free to make a different choice. Until then,' he added in the letter published on the website of GLAAD, an organisation for LGBT equality.

'Wentworth's bold show of support sends a powerful message to LGBT Russians, who are facing extreme violence and persecution: you are not alone,' said GLAAD spokesperson Wilson Cruz. 'As people from across the globe continue to speak out against Russia's horrific law, more celebrities and corporations should follow his courageous lead in openly condemning Russia's anti-LGBT law.'